How to save on holiday travel

Plus, the end of the Shohei Ohtani dream, Shein’s bid for global domination and previewing Canada’s athletes of the year [Get This Offer]( [The Star] First Up [By Andrew Joe Potter] By Andrew Joe Potter Good morning. The dream is over, Blue Jays fans; no matter how much we wanted to believe, [Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani is now a Los Angeles Dodger](. Here’s the latest. MUST READS Illustration by Briannah Daniel Business [With an IPO on the horizon, Shein turns sights from conquering Gen Z closets to global domination]( Chinese clothing giant Shein confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO last week, reportedly seeking a $90 billion USD valuation. This isn’t your classic Gen X or even Millennial fast fashion brand — the company pumps out upwards of 6,000 unique styles per day, Liz Guber notes. [Several big distinctions separate the increasingly controversial Shein from its legacy competitors](. Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images Israel-hamas war [After U.S. vetoes U.N. ceasefire demand, Israel continues Gaza bombardment — including supposed safe zones]( After the U.S. vetoed a U.N. Security Council vote demanding a humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing war, the American government announced the sale of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition to Israel. By concluding that “an emergency exists” in the national interest, the U.S. was able to bypass the usually mandated congressional review for such sales — a rare decision. As civilian deaths mount in Gaza,[President Joe Biden’s administration continues to resist international pressure](. Sheila Wang/Toronto Star Dominica murders [Locals mourn slain Canadians Langlois and Marchand: “There wasn’t a bad thing about them”]( The moment Simon Walsh stops distracting himself with work at his Soufrière dive shop, he’s overcome with grief that “the smartest man” he’s ever known is gone forever, Sheila Wang writes. While Dominican police are cagey about the ongoing murder investigation of Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand, [evidence of the couple’s immense impact on their tight-knit communities is everywhere](. Nick Lachance/Toronto Star community [Inside the Toronto tattoo parlour drawing underserved communities together]( For those pushed to the margins of Toronto’s tattoo scene, The Rose Underground (TRU) has been a haven for artists and clients alike, Reanna Julien writes. People have come from as far afield as Buffalo and Montreal to receive work from tattooists from their communities — particularly BIPOC and LGBTQ people. “I don’t believe in safe spaces,” says owner Thalia “Vegas” Dixon, “[but rather spaces that can hold people accountable and provide the opportunity for learning.]( Dreamstime Personal Finance [Here’s how to save on travel expenses around the holidays]( With costs still sky-high, holiday travellers will need to plan diligently, writes Lesley-Anne Scorgie. Flexibility is key; shifting your departure date by even a day can save you and your family hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Whether you’re heading for white-sand beaches or snow-topped slopes, [here are more practical travel tips to keep in mind](. UP CLOSE Francois-Xavier Marit/AFP via Getty Images The committee that determines the 2023 Northern Star Award, given to Canada’s athlete of the year, will meet Monday to debate its options. From unsung amateurs to high-profile professionals, Damien Cox breaks down the [shortlist of those likely in consideration](. Drink THIS Dreamstime Whether you’re stocking up the cellar for hosting season or shopping for the oenophile on your list, wine critic Carolyn Evans Hammond has you covered. Here are 12 interesting wines, [suited for particular palates and starting as low as $9.95](. Thanks for reading. You can reach the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_205237), and Manuela will see you back here Monday. HOLIDAY SALE Now only $39.99 for 1 year [Get This Offer]( If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. [Unsubscribe From This Newsletter]( [Sign Up for More Newsletters and Email Alerts]( [View in Browser]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](